The cornerstone of human rights thought and activities is The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ... Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."

The need for such an agreement among nations was clear to the world in 1948, with the atrocities of World War II fresh in memory. Though broad in scope it should be kept in mind that there are many more rights that could have been included. It should also be kept in mind that, even more than 50 years after its adoption, there are many countries and individuals not fully committed to all of the articles contained here.

Amnesty International is possibly the best known international hauman rights organization.

"Amnesty International is a worldwide campaigning movement that works to promote all the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards. In particular, Amnesty International campaigns to free all prisoners of conscience; ensure fair and prompt trials for political prisoners; abolish the death penalty, torture and other cruel treatment of prisoners; end political killings and "disappearances"; and oppose human rights abuses by opposition groups."

"Amnesty International has around a million members and supporters in 162 countries and territories. Activities range from public demonstrations to letter-writing, from human rights education to fundraising concerts, from individual appeals on a particular case to global campaigns on a particular issue."

"Amnesty International is impartial and independent of any government, political persuasion or religious creed. Amnesty International is financed largely by subscriptions and donations from its worldwide membership."

Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) is the U.S. Section of Amnesty International.

"Why does Amnesty International oppose the death penalty?"

"Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception. The death penalty is the ultimate denial of human rights. It is the premeditated and cold-blooded killing of a human being by the state in the name of justice. It violates the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment."

There are many organizations working against the death penalty. In the US some of the major aboltion groups are: The Campaign to End the Death Penalty, The American Civil Liberties Union and The Friends Service Committee. Each of these organizations has clearly stated the many arguments against the death penalty and have provide countless examples of why it dosen't work.